Pyogranulomatous pneumonia in goats caused by an undescribed Porphyromonas species, "Porphyromonas katsikii".

A yet-undescribed bacterial species, tentatively named "Porphyromonas katsikii," was isolated from individuals of a small goat herd with pyogranulomatous pneumonia during an outbreak of acute respiratory disease. The isolated bacteria grew in the form of black-pigmented colonies after 14 days of incubation under anaerobic conditions at 37°C on a tryptic soy blood agar medium. The bacteria were identified as a yet-undescribed Porphyromonas species by determination of the nucleotide sequence of the rrs 16S rRNA gene, and this species was tentatively named Porphyromonas katsikii. PCR amplification with specific primers for this yet-undescribed species revealed the presence of P. katsikii in the lung tissue of all affected animals, while no PCR signals were evidenced from the lungs of healthy goats or from goats with pasteurellosis caused by Mannheimia haemolytica. These data indicate P. katsikii as the causative agent of acute respiratory distress. P. katsikii is phylogenetically related to Porphyromonas somerae and Porphyromonas levii, which cause pathologies in humans and animals, respectively. P. katsikii was not detected by PCR from samples of the gingival pockets or of the faces of healthy goats.

Developing drugs for use before, during and soon after percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a milestone for treating coronary artery disease (CAD). Antithrombotic therapy is essential to prevent ischemic complications, including the microvascular no-reflow, while minimizing bleeding events. Areas covered: This overview discusses available and developing drugs for PCI including anticoagulants, antiplatelets and treatment of no-reflow. Expert opinion: For years unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been the unique anticoagulant to be used before and during PCI. Enoxaparin showed similar efficacy and safety, yet, based on recent trials, bivalirudin has been shown to have some benefits, particularly for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The evidence concerning new anticoagulants is still preliminary, except for new oral anticoagulants, particularly rivaroxaban that showed intriguing findings and is currently under investigation. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the standard of care after PCI, but new developments have recently emerged. Indeed, ticagrelor and prasugrel are currently recommended over clopidogrel due to their significant reduction of ischemic events in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) whereas clopidogrel remains the choice in stable CAD. Among new agents, vorapaxar and cangrelor showed positive but limited evidence and might be considered at least in selected patients. Conversely, evidence on effective treatments for no-reflow remains limited and would require future dedicated research.

Expert Opinion on the Perceived Effectiveness and Importance of On-Farm Biosecurity Measures for Cattle and Swine Farms in Switzerland.

Biosecurity is crucial for safeguarding livestock from infectious diseases. Despite the plethora of biosecurity recommendations, published scientific evidence on the effectiveness of individual biosecurity measures is limited. The objective of this study was to assess the perception of Swiss experts about the effectiveness and importance of individual on-farm biosecurity measures for cattle and swine farms (31 and 30 measures, respectively). Using a modified Delphi method, 16 Swiss livestock disease specialists (8 for each species) were interviewed. The experts were asked to rank biosecurity measures that were written on cards, by allocating a score from 0 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Experts ranked biosecurity measures based on their importance related to Swiss legislation, feasibility, as well as the effort required for implementation and the benefit of each biosecurity measure. The experts also ranked biosecurity measures based on their effectiveness in preventing an infectious agent from entering and spreading on a farm, solely based on transmission characteristics of specific pathogens. The pathogens considered by cattle experts were those causing Bluetongue (BT), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). Swine experts expressed their opinion on the pathogens causing African Swine Fever (ASF), Enzootic Pneumonia (EP), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), as well as FMD. For cattle farms, biosecurity measures that improve disease awareness of farmers were ranked as both most important and most effective. For swine farms, the most important and effective measures identified were those related to animal movements. Among all single measures evaluated, education of farmers was perceived by the experts to be the most important and effective for protecting both Swiss cattle and swine farms from disease. The findings of this study provide an important basis for recommendation to farmers and policy makers.

The burden of parainfluenza virus infection in patients with hematological malignancy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients in the absence of active immunization and approved therapy: The role of infection control

Background. Community respiratory viruses, mainly RSV and influenza, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with leukemia and HSCT recipients. The data on impact of PIV infections in these patients is lacking. Methods. We reviewed the records of patients with leukemia and HSCT recipients who developed PIV infection from Oct'02–Nov'07 to determine the outcome of such infections. Results. We identified 200 patients with PIV infections including 80(40%) patients with leukemia and 120 (60%) recipients of HSCT. Median age was 55 y (17-84 y). As compared to HSCT recipients, patients with leukemia had higher APACHE II score (14 vs. 10, p<0.0001); were more likely to have ANC<500 (48% vs. 10%, p<0.0001) and ALC<200 (45% vs. 23.5%, p=0.02). PIV type III was the commonest isolate (172/200, 86%). Most patients 141/200 (70%) had upper respiratory infection (URI), and 59/200 (30%) had pneumonia at presentation. Patients in leukemia group were more likely to require hospitalization due to PIV infection (77% vs. 36% p=0.0001) and were more likely to progress to pneumonia (61% vs. 39%, p=0.002). Fifty five patients received aerosolized ribavirin and/or IVIG. There were no significant differences in the duration of symptoms, length of hospitalization, progression to pneumonia or mortality between the treated verses untreated group. The clinical outcome was unknown in 13 (6%) patients. Complete resolution of symptoms was noted in 91% (171/187) patients and 9% (16/187) patients died. Mortality rate was 17% (16/95) among patients who had PIV pneumonia, with no significant difference between leukemia and HSCT group (16% vs. 17%). The cause of death was acute respiratory failure and/or multi-organ failure in (13, 81%) patients. Conclusions. Patients with leukemia and HSCT could be at high risk for serious PIV infections including PIV pneumonia. Treatment with aerosolized ribavirin and/or IVIG may not have significant effect on the outcome of PIV infection.^

The role of serotonin in depression and clotting in the coronary artery disease population

Background: The mechanisms underlying the relationship between depression and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain unclear. Platelet serotonin has been associated with both depression and coronary artery disease in stable outpatients. Understanding the association between depression and platelet serotonin, during ACS, may explain some of the acute cardiovascular events seen in some individuals with depression. ^ Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate whether levels of platelet serotonin, during ACS, differ between individuals who screen positive for depression and individuals who screen negative for depression and to determine if a dose-response relationship exists between depressive symptoms and platelet serotonin levels. ^ Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data was collected on 51 patients hospitalized for ACS. Multiple linear regression models were used to determine if a relationship exists between depression and platelet serotonin levels. ^ Results: Of the 51 ACS patients, 24 screened positive for depression and 27 screened negative for depression. Platelet serotonin levels were not significantly different between the depressed group (942.10 ± 461.3) and the non-depressed group (1192.41 ± 764.3) (p= .293 and β= -4.093) and a dose-response relationship between depressive symptoms and platelet serotonin levels was not found (p= .250 and β= -.254). ^ Discussion: In this study, a relationship between depression and platelet serotonin levels was not found. Future research should focus on gaining a better understanding of the variables that may influence platelet serotonin levels in the ACS population. ^

Factores trombogénicos sistémicos en paciente con síndrome coronario agudo con cinecoronariografía normal y patológica

En la fisiopatología del síndrome coronario agudo (SCA) sin evidencia de lesión ateromatosa oclusiva, podría participar un estado de hipertrombogenicidad sanguínea, generado por factores trombogénicos sistémicos, como los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y los que intervienen en el balance coagulación-anticoagulación, fibrinolisis y formación de fibrina. Objetivo: Estudiar y comparar los factores trombogénicos sistémicos en pacientes con SCA y cinecoronariografía (CCG) normal y patológica.

National burden of disease in India from indoor air pollution

In the last decade, a number of quantitative epidemiological studies of specific diseases have been done in developing countries that for the first time allow estimation of the total burden of disease (mortality and morbidity) attributable to use of solid fuels in adult women and young children, who jointly receive the highest exposures because of their household roles. Few such studies are available as yet for adult men or children over 5 years. This paper evaluates the existing epidemiological studies and applies the resulting risks to the more than three-quarters of all Indian households dependent on such fuels. Allowance is made for the existence of improved stoves with chimneys and other factors that may lower exposures. Attributable risks are calculated in reference to the demographic conditions and patterns of each disease in India. Sufficient evidence is available to estimate risks most confidently for acute respiratory infections (ARI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Estimates for tuberculosis (TB), asthma, and blindness are of intermediate confidence. Estimates for heart disease have the lowest confidence. Insufficient quantitative evidence is currently available to estimate the impact of adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., low birthweight and stillbirth). The resulting conservative estimates indicate that some 400–550 thousand premature deaths can be attributed annually to use of biomass fuels in these population groups. Using a disability-adjusted lost life-year approach, the total is 4–6% of the Indian national burden of disease, placing indoor air pollution as a major risk factor in the country.

Haploinsufficiency of Sox9 results in defective cartilage primordia and premature skeletal mineralization

In humans, SOX9 heterozygous mutations cause the severe skeletal dysmorphology syndrome campomelic dysplasia. Except for clinical descriptions, little is known about the pathogenesis of this disease. We have generated heterozygous Sox9 mutant mice that phenocopy most of the skeletal abnormalities of this syndrome. The Sox9+/− mice died perinatally with cleft palate, as well as hypoplasia and bending of many skeletal structures derived from cartilage precursors. In embryonic day (E)14.5 heterozygous embryos, bending of radius, ulna, and tibia cartilages was already prominent. In E12.5 heterozygotes, all skeletal elements visualized by using Alcian blue were smaller. In addition, the overall levels of Col2a1 RNA at E10.5 and E12.5 were lower than in wild-type embryos. We propose that the skeletal abnormalities observed at later embryonic stages were caused by delayed or defective precartilaginous condensations. Furthermore, in E18.5 embryos and in newborn heterozygotes, premature mineralization occurred in many bones, including vertebrae and some craniofacial bones. Because Sox9 is not expressed in the mineralized portion of the growth plate, this premature mineralization is very likely the consequence of allele insufficiency existing in cells of the growth plate that express Sox9. Because the hypertrophic zone of the heterozygous Sox9 mutants was larger than that of wild-type mice, we propose that Sox9 also has a role in regulating the transition to hypertrophic chondrocytes in the growth plate. Despite the severe hypoplasia of cartilages, the overall organization and cellular composition of the growth plate were otherwise normal. Our results suggest the hypothesis that two critical steps of the chondrocyte differentiation pathway are sensitive to Sox9 dosage. First, an early step presumably at the stage of mesenchymal condensation of cartilage primordia, and second, a later step preceding the transition of chondrocytes into hypertrophic chondrocytes.

Comparação entre a técnica femoral com dispositivo de hemostasia e a técnica radial em pacientes submetidos à estratégia invasiva precoce

A via de acesso arterial é um importante sítio de complicações após a realização de procedimentos coronários invasivos. Dentre as estratégias para a redução de complicações vasculares, encontra-se estabelecida a eficácia da técnica radial. Os dispositivos de oclusão vascular propiciam maior conforto ao paciente, reduzindo o tempo de hemostasia e repouso no leito. Entretanto, a inconsistência de dados comprovando sua segurança limita sua adoção rotineira como estratégia para redução de complicações vasculares, requerendo evidências de estudos randomizados com metodologia adequada. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a incidência de complicações no sítio de punção arterial entre a técnica radial e a técnica femoral com utilização de Angio-Seal em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda sem supradesnível do segmento ST submetidos à estratégia invasiva precoce. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico unicêntrico, de não inferioridade, no qual duzentos e quarenta pacientes foram randomizados para a técnica radial ou técnica femoral com utilização de Angio-Seal. O objetivo primário foi a ocorrência de complicações no sítio de punção arterial até 30 dias após o procedimento, incluindo sangramento grave, hematoma >= 5 cm, hematoma retroperitoneal, síndrome compartimental, pseudoaneurisma, fístula arteriovenosa, infecção, isquemia de membro, oclusão arterial, lesão de nervo adjacente ou necessidade de reparo vascular cirúrgico. Em relação às características demográficas e clínicas, houve diferença apenas quanto ao gênero, com presença maior de pacientes do sexo feminino no grupo radial (33,3% versus 20,0%, p=0,020). Não se observaram diferenças entre os grupos quanto ao diagnóstico de admissão, alterações isquêmicas presentes no eletrocardiograma, elevação de marcadores de necrose miocárdica ou escores de risco, bem como quanto à farmacoterapia antitrombótica adjunta e características da intervenção coronária percutânea. A hemostasia foi obtida na totalidade dos procedimentos do grupo radial com a utilização da pulseira compressora seletiva TR Band e em 95% dos procedimentos realizados pela técnica femoral com o Angio-Seal (p=0,029). Exceto pela maior incidência de oclusão arterial no grupo radial comparado ao femoral, não houve diferenças entre os demais desfechos analisados. Segundo o teste de não inferioridade para complicações na via de acesso arterial aos 30 dias, verificou-se que a utilização do Angio-Seal não produziu resultados inferiores ao acesso radial, considerando-se a margem de 15% (12,5% versus 13,3%, diferença -0,83%, IC 95% -9,31 - 7,65, p para não inferioridade <0,001). Os resultados principais deste estudo demonstram que, em uma população de pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome coronariana aguda sem supradesnível do segmento ST, submetida à estratificação de risco invasiva, a utilização do dispositivo de oclusão vascular Angio-Seal confere ao procedimento efetivado pelo acesso femoral inferioridade na incidência de complicações no sítio de punção arterial aos 30 dias quando comparado ao acesso radial.

Impacto da vacinação contra rotavírus nas consultas de pronto-socorro e internações por doença diarreica aguda em crianças menores de cinco anos de idade

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença diarreica aguda é a segunda causa de morte em crianças abaixo de 5 anos de idade. No Brasil, entre 2003 e 2009, a diarreia aguda foi responsável por cerca de 100.000 internações por ano, e por 4% das mortes em crianças abaixo de 5 anos de idade. O rotavírus é a principal etiologia de diarreia aguda grave no mundo todo, sendo responsável por 40% das internações por diarreia aguda, e 29% de todas as mortes por diarreia aguda. A vacina monovalente (RV1) contra o rotavírus foi introduzida no Programa Nacional de Imunizações em 2006. OBJETIVOS: Verificar o impacto da vacina monovalente contra rotavírus nas consultas de pronto-socorro e internações por doença diarreica aguda em crianças menores de 5 anos de idade, verificar a positividade do exame \"pesquisa de rotavírus nas fezes\", e verificar a presença ao ausência de imunidade de rebanho. METODOLOGIA: Foi realizado um estudo ecológico retrospectivo no Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo. O período foi dividido em pré-vacina (2003 a 2005) e pós-vacina (2007 a 2009). Foram incluídas todas as crianças abaixo de 5 anos que passaram em consulta no pronto-socorro e verificado o diagnóstico do atendimento e internação através de registro eletrônico. Foram obtidas as taxas de consultas no pronto-socorro e internações por doença diarreica aguda, foram selecionadas as crianças não vacinadas para cálculo da imunidade de rebanho, e verificado se houve coleta do exame pesquisa de rotavírus nas fezes. A redução nas taxas foi obtida através da fórmula: redução (%) = (1 - odds ratio) x 100. RESULTADOS: No período pré-vacina a taxa de consultas por diarreia aguda foi de 85,8 consultas por 1.000 consultas gerais, no período pós vacina a taxa de consultas por diarreia aguda foi 80,9 por 1.000, e a redução foi 6% (IC 95%, 4% a 9%, p < 0,001), chegando a 40% (IC 95%, 36% a 44%, p<0,001) nos meses de maio e junho. A taxa de internação por diarreia aguda era 40,8 internações por 1.000 e caiu para 24,9 por 1.000, redução de 40% (IC 95%, 22% a 54%, p < 0,001), chegando a 82% (IC 95%, 62% a 92%, p < 0,001) nos meses de maio e junho. Nas crianças não vacinadas não houve redução na taxa de consultas de pronto-socorro (IC 95%, -4% a 5%, p=0,903), e não se pode afirmar se houve redução ou aumento das internações por diarreia aguda (IC 95%, -212% a 35%, p=0,381). Houve queda da positividade do exame pesquisa de rotavírus em 2009 (redução de 70%, IC 95%, 26% a 88%, p=0,007). CONCLUSÕES: Após a introdução da vacina contra rotavírus (RV1) houve uma redução de 6% nas consultas por diarreia aguda no pronto-socorro, de 40% nas internações por diarreia aguda e de 70% na positividade do exame pesquisa de rotavírus nas fezes. Não foi detectada imunidade de rebanho

Síndrome torácica aguda : a propósito de um caso clínico

Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2014

VNI em cuidados paliativos - um exemplo prático: DPOC

Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2014

O Risco Percebido e Coberto pelas Seguradoras

Os Portugueses desde imemoráveis tempos gostam de partir à descoberta de mundos novos, fazemo-lo pelas mais variadas razões, no entanto, neste trabalho iremos apenas analisar os riscos associados ao turismo de lazer. Os atentados de Nova Iorque em 11 Setembro 2001, Síndrome Respiratório Grave em HongKong em Fevereiro de 2003, o Tsunami no oceano Indico em Dezembro 2004, a erupção vulcânica na Islândia em Abril de 2010 ou os atentados de Paris em 13 de Novembro 2015, estas datas ficaram marcadas para sempre, lemos e relemos inúmeros depoimentos de pessoas que se encontravam de férias nestas cidades e pensamos e se fossemos nós? Os primeiros registos da atividade seguradora datam do ano 5.000 A.C. inicialmente seguravam transportes de mercadorias, hoje em dia podem cobrir “qualquer coisa”. Com a perceção dos riscos que hoje em dia podem ocorrer numa viagem, será que as Seguradoras estão preparadas para minimizar os mesmos? E qual a perceção dos riscos para quem viaja. Para o efeito realizou-se um estudo exploratório por suporte a uma amostra de conveniência que reuniu 152 observações. Análises descritivas e testes não paramétricos foram aplicados para definir quais os riscos mais percebidos e quais os que os turistas portugueses pretendem ver cobertos. Concluiu-se que as pessoas que dão maior importância aos Risco de Saúde e Financeiro são os que efetuam seguros de viagem, já as que dão maior importância aos Risco Equipamento, Risco Politico, Risco Psicológico e Risco de Satisfação são as que optam por não fazer seguro.

The medical department of the United States Army in the world war.

vol. XII. Pathology of the acute respiratory diseases, and of gas gangrene following war wounds, by G.R. Callender and J.F. Coupal. 1929- vol. XIII. pt. 1. Physical reconstruction and vocational education, by A.G. Crane. pt. 2. The Army nurse corps, by Julia C. Stimson. 1927- vol. XIV. Medical aspects of gas warfare, by W.D. Bancroft, H.C. Bradley [and others] 1926.- vol. XV. Statistics, pt. 1. Army anthropology, based on observations made on draft recruits, 1917-1918, and on veterans at demobilization, 1919, by C.B. Davenport and A.G. Love. 1921. pt. 2. Medical and casualty statistics based on the medical records of the United States Army, April 1, 1917, to December 31, 1919, inclusive, by A.G. Love. 1925.

The medical department of the United States Army in the world war .../

Editor-in-chief: Col. Charles Lynch.